
Energy and Civilization
A History
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Lu par :
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David Colacci
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De :
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Vaclav Smil
À propos de cette écoute
Energy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows-ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity - for their civilized existence.
In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel-driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts - from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering listeners a magisterial overview.
©2017 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (P)2018 Gildan Media
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Insightful but tough…
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His approach is very much quantitative, and he estimates for instance how much energy was required to hunt an antelope with respect to the calories it could provide. The methodology used is not detailed (thank goodness!) but such calculations must have been painstaking and certainly based on a flurry of assumptions that make them difficult to take at face value.
Yet, despite a certain tediousness, the approach is original and doubtlessly intellectually stimulating.
Original but Somewhat Tedious!
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